Navy-LANTDIV approached Bhate with the concept to deconstruct and close a Biological Treatment Cell (BTC) without developing traditional plans and specifications. Given the nature of the removal, the Navy wanted to remove the cell, backfill, re-grade, re-shape, and restore the site without going through the traditional design-bid-build process. The Navy estimated that this approach would potentially save over $100,000 in design and procurement costs. Since the future land-use for the site has not been determined, restoring it to exacting standards was not necessary. However site drainage was of paramount concern because of its proximity to an oil/water separator that discharges into the Elizabeth River. Understanding the Navy’s approach (no design, no specifications, no construction drawings, no cut/fill volume quantities), we worked closely with the Navy to develop the scoping strategy for the site and negotiated a firm-fixed price Delivery Order.

After developing a conceptual-type work plan, we quickly mobilized to the site. Our first challenge was to remove approximately 10,000,000 gallons of rain water from the cell. Analytical testing confirmed the water was suitable for discharge. We overcame this by draining the cell dry of fluid with pumps while monitoring the discharge with a Horiba meter. After breaching the cell berm in a controlled manner, we removed and disposed of approximately 600,000 square feet of 60-mil HDPE liner, emolished/scrapped two-50,000 gallon ASTs, backfilled, and graded the site. The placement of topsoil and hydro-seeding were completed. This project is considered a “showcase” by the Navy for the outstanding cooperation and trust between the Government and the contractor as well as the cost savings realized over the traditional type of procurement.